U.S. patent number 10,840,625 [Application Number 15/986,873] was granted by the patent office on 2020-11-17 for power management panel and controller assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to GE Aviation Systems Limited. The grantee listed for this patent is GE Aviation Systems Limited. Invention is credited to John Michael Brett, Christopher Andrew Leivers.
United States Patent |
10,840,625 |
Leivers , et al. |
November 17, 2020 |
Power management panel and controller assembly
Abstract
An avionics power management panel and power panel controller
assembly where the panel includes a cabinet including a set of
walls at least partially defining an interior with a printed
circuit board. The power panel controller assembly can be provided
in the interior and can include a chassis housing one or more power
panel control modules adapted to couple to the printed circuit
board via one or more complementary PCB connectors.
Inventors: |
Leivers; Christopher Andrew
(Stroud, GB), Brett; John Michael (Tewkesbury,
GB) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GE Aviation Systems Limited |
Cheltenham |
N/A |
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
GE Aviation Systems Limited
(Cheltenham, GB)
|
Family
ID: |
1000005188003 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/986,873 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20180342826 A1 |
Nov 29, 2018 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
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May 23, 2017 [GB] |
|
|
1708219.9 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
12/716 (20130101); H01R 13/73 (20130101); H01R
12/91 (20130101); H05K 5/0008 (20130101); H05K
7/1412 (20130101); H05K 5/0069 (20130101); H02B
1/32 (20130101); B64D 47/00 (20130101); H01R
2201/26 (20130101); B64D 2221/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H05K
1/00 (20060101); H05K 5/00 (20060101); H02B
1/32 (20060101); H05K 7/14 (20060101); H01R
12/91 (20110101); H01R 13/73 (20060101); H01R
12/71 (20110101); B64D 47/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;361/748 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
Chinese Office Action issued in related Chinese Patent Application
No. 201810526586.3, dated Aug. 7, 2019. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Aychillhum; Andargie M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McGarry Bair PC
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A power management panel, comprising: a power management cabinet
comprising a set of walls at least partially defining a cabinet
interior; a printed circuit board provided within the cabinet
interior and having a set of PCB connectors; and a power panel
controller assembly, comprising: a chassis including a set of
spaced walls and a cover at least partially defining a chassis
interior, and a pair of sprung card guides disposed on respective
opposing walls of the set of spaced walls; and a set of power panel
control modules selectively receivable within the chassis interior
by the pair of sprung card guides, and where a power panel control
module includes at least one panel printed circuit board and a high
density connector configured to mate with one of the set of PCB
connectors and where the set of power panel control modules float
in at least one axis.
2. The power management panel of claim 1, wherein the set of PCB
connectors includes four PCB connectors and the set of power panel
control modules includes four power panel control modules.
3. The power management panel of either of claim 1, wherein the
chassis of the power panel controller assembly is mounted to the
printed circuit board via a set of spring loaded captive
screws.
4. The power management panel of claim 1, further comprising a set
of location pins on the printed circuit board and corresponding
bushings on the chassis of the power panel controller assembly.
5. The power management panel of claim 1, further comprising a
central jacking screw on the chassis of the power panel controller
assembly and a mating fastener on the printed circuit board.
6. The power management panel of claim 1, wherein a width of the
two opposite walls of the set of spaced walls is dimensioned to
provide clearance about the power panel control module.
7. The power management panel of claim 1, further comprising at
least one bracket operably coupled to the set of power panel
control modules and where the at least one bracket includes a
protrusion that extends through an opening in the chassis.
8. The power management panel of claim 7, further comprising a
fastener configured to tighten against a portion of the protrusion
and provide a clearance with the chassis.
9. The power management panel of claim 1, wherein the set of power
panel control modules float in at least two axes.
10. The power management panel of claim 9, wherein the set of power
panel control modules float in three axes.
11. The power management panel of claim 1, further comprising a
gasket located between the cover and the set of power panel control
modules.
12. A power panel controller assembly for an avionics power
management panel, the power panel controller assembly comprising: a
chassis including a set of spaced walls and a pair of sprung card
guides disposed on respective opposing walls of the set of spaced
walls, and a cover at least partially defining a chassis interior;
and a set of power panel control modules selectively receivable by
the pair of sprung card guides, within the chassis interior and
where at least one power panel control module of the set of power
panel control modules includes at least one panel printed circuit
board and a high density connector configured to mate with a PCB
connector of a printed circuit board and where the set of power
panel control modules float in at least one axis.
13. The power panel controller assembly of claim 12, wherein a
width of the two opposite walls of the set of spaced walls is
dimensioned to provide clearance about the power panel control
module.
14. The power panel controller assembly of any of claim 12, further
comprising at least one bracket operably coupled to the set of
power panel control modules and where the at least one bracket
includes a protrusion that extends through an opening in the
chassis.
15. The power panel controller assembly of claim 14, further
comprising a fastener configured to tighten against a portion of
the protrusion and provide a clearance with the chassis.
16. The power panel controller assembly of claim 12, wherein the
set of power panel control modules float in three axes.
17. An electronic unit, comprising: a chassis including a set of
spaced walls and a pair of sprung card guides disposed on
respective opposing walls of the set of spaced walls, and a cover
at least partially defining a chassis interior; and a set of power
panel control modules selectively receivable by the pair of sprung
card guides, within the chassis interior, the sprung card guides
configured to moveably retain a power panel control module and
where the set of power panel control modules includes at least one
panel printed circuit board and a high density connector; at least
one bracket operably coupled to the set of power panel control
modules and where the at least one bracket includes a protrusion
that extends through an opening in the chassis; and a fastener
configured to tighten against a portion of the protrusion and
provide a clearance with the chassis; wherein a width of the
opposing walls of the set of spaced walls is dimensioned to provide
clearance about the power panel control module.
18. The electronic unit of claim 17, wherein the protrusion
includes a male thread having a shoulder that extends below the
chassis and the fastener includes a nut configured to tighten to
the shoulder.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Contemporary aircraft use avionics in order to control the various
equipment and operations for flying the aircraft. The avionics can
include electronic components carried by a circuit board or
connected to circuit breakers. An electrical distribution system
for the aircraft includes power management panels that can be used
to route power from electrical generators to various electrical
loads. Such power management panels can be relatively large, and
can include assemblies charged with critical aspects in performance
of the electrical system, often within a demanding environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a power management
panel including an avionics power management cabinet including a
set of walls at least partially defining a cabinet interior with an
open face. A printed circuit board operably couples with the
cabinet interior and includes a set of PCB connectors. A power
panel controller assembly includes a chassis having a set of spaced
walls and a cover at least partially defining a chassis interior
and a set of power panel control modules selectively receivable
within the chassis interior. A power panel control module includes
at least one printed circuit board and a high density connector
configured to mate with one of the set of PCB connectors and where
the set of power panel control modules float in at least one
axis.
In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a power panel
controller assembly including a chassis including a set of spaced
walls and a cover at least partially defining a chassis interior. A
set of power panel control modules selectively receivable within
the chassis interior where a power panel control module includes at
least one printed circuit board and a high density connector
configured to mate with a PCB connector of a PCB. The set of power
panel control modules float in at least one axis and wherein the
power panel controller assembly is configured for an avionics power
management panel.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an
electronic unit including a chassis including a set of spaced walls
and a cover at least partially defining a chassis interior. A set
of power panel control modules are selectively receivable within
the chassis interior and where a power panel control module
includes at least one printed circuit board and a high density
connector. At least one pair of sprung card guides are configured
to moveably retain a power panel control module and are on two
opposite walls of the set of spaced walls. At least one bracket
operably couples to a power panel control module and includes a
protrusion that extends through an opening in the chassis. A
fastener is configured to tighten against a portion of the
protrusion and provide a clearance within the chassis. A width of
the two opposite walls of the set of spaced walls is dimensioned to
provide a clearance about the power panel control module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft having an avionics
chassis in accordance with various aspects described herein.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a power management panel having a
power panel controller assembly for use in the avionics chassis of
FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the power panel controller assembly
of FIG. 2 exploded from a printed circuit board including a set of
PCB connectors of the power management panel in accordance with
various aspects described herein.
FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the power panel controller
assembly of FIG. 3 illustrating a set of power panel control
modules within the chassis in accordance with various aspects
described herein.
FIG. 5 is a section view of the power panel controller assembly of
FIG. 4 taken across section 5-5 illustrating one power panel
control module mounted to the chassis at a sprung card guide in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the power panel controller assembly of
FIG. 3 illustrating a protrusion of a bracket extending underneath
a bottom wall of the power panel controller assembly in accordance
with various aspects described herein.
FIG. 7 is a section view taken along section 7-7 of FIG. 5
illustrating a bracket for mounting the power panel control module
to the power panel controller assembly in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
FIG. 8 is a section view of the power panel controller assembly
illustrating a gaskets provided between a cover and the power panel
control modules in accordance with various aspects described
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
On aircraft the electrical power distribution system services
various loads around the aircraft. Power management panels are used
to route power from the electrical power source to the electrical
loads. On modern aircraft the increased number of services demands
an increase in the number of components and circuits. The increase
in required components and circuits leads to increased wiring for
the specific loads, often requiring complex wiring looms which
increase complexity and overall weight. Power panel components are
often fixed to the power management panels in complex regions,
providing challenges for removal of such components, or even
causing damage to the complex electrical components during removal,
replacement, or maintenance. Aspects of the disclosure describe a
beneficial power panel component assembly.
While "a set of" various elements will be described, it will be
understood that "a set" can include any number of the respective
elements, including only one element. Additionally, all directional
references (e.g., radial, axial, upper, lower, upward, downward,
left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above, below,
vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise) are only used
for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of
the disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to
the position, orientation, or use thereof. Connection references
(e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be
construed broadly and can include intermediate members between a
collection of elements and relative movement between elements
unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not
necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in
fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for
purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order,
and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto can
vary. "Float" as used herein means that an element is not fixed,
and has room for slight movement in one or more directions, while
being limited from excessive movement from an initial position. For
example, an element may be able to float 1/100th of an inch in a
direction, until limited by another fixed element.
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an aircraft 10 with an on-board
avionics chassis assembly 12 (shown in dashed line), which can
include a power management panel. The avionics chassis assembly 12
can house a variety of avionics elements and protect them against
contaminants, vibrations, and the like and aids in dissipating the
heat generated by the avionics or electronic components. It will be
understood that the avionics chassis assembly 12 can be located
anywhere within the aircraft 10, not just the nose as illustrated.
For example, there can be any number of power management panels
distributing power around the aircraft 10. While illustrated in a
commercial airliner, the avionics chassis assembly 12 can be used
in any type of aircraft, for example, without limitation,
fixed-wing, rotating-wing, rocket, commercial aircraft, personal
aircraft, and military aircraft. Furthermore, aspects of the
disclosure are not limited only to aircraft aspects, and can be
included in other mobile and stationary configurations.
Non-limiting example mobile configurations can include
ground-based, water-based, or additional air-based vehicles. Any
implementation has its own space constraints and power
requirements. As such, the design of the particular aspects of the
avionics chassis assembly 12 as described herein can be tailored to
suit specific installation requirements of the implementation.
Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary power management panel 20
includes a power management cabinet 22 having a set of walls 24,
such as sidewalls, that at least partially define a cabinet
interior 26 having an open face 28. It should be appreciated that a
cover (not shown), such as a heat shield, or an additional wall can
be removably mountable at the open face 28 to enclose the cabinet
interior 26. Alternatively, a door can be moveably mounted to the
power management cabinet 22 and be positioned in a closed position
wherein the cabinet interior 26 is inaccessible and an opened
position wherein a user can access the cabinet interior 26.
A set of electrical components 30 can be provided in the cabinet
interior 26. The set of electrical components 30 can mount to one
or more printed circuit boards (PCB) 32 that operably couple within
the cabinet interior 26. A set of exterior connectors 35 can be
provided on the exterior of the set of walls 24 and communicatively
coupled to one or more of the electrical components 30.
One exemplary electrical component 30 can be an electronic unit in
the form of a power panel controller assembly 34. Referring to FIG.
3, the power panel controller assembly 34 is exploded from an
exemplary PCB 32. A set of PCB connectors 36 are provided on the
PCB 32, illustrated as four schematic, exemplary PCB connectors 36.
The set of PCB connectors 36 can be pinned connectors, such as a
D-type PCB connector in one non-limiting example. The set of PCB
connectors 36 can electrically and communicatively couple the power
panel controller assembly 34 to the PCB 32. A gasket 38 can be
provided around the set of PCB connectors 36. The gasket 38 can be
an electromagnetic compatibility gasket, in one non-limiting
example, minimizing radio frequency interference at the set of PCB
connectors 36. A set of apertures 40 can be provided in the PCB 32
for mechanically mounting the power panel controller assembly 34 to
the PCB 32. A central aperture 42 can be provided in the PCB 32
between the set of PCB connectors 36. As illustrated a central
jacking screw 44 can extend through the power panel controller
assembly 34 and through the central aperture 42 to further secure
the power panel controller assembly 34 to the PCB 32. A set of
location pins 46 can mount the power panel controller assembly 34
to the PCB 32 and are adapted to provide initial alignment the
power panel controller assembly 34 when mounting it to the PCB
32.
The power panel controller assembly 34 includes a chassis 50 having
a set of walls 52. A cover 54 can be fastened to the set of walls
52 to enclose a chassis interior 80 (FIG. 4) of the power panel
controller assembly 34. While illustrated as solid elements, the
cover 54 or the walls 52 can include perforations permitting
venting of air through the power panel controller assembly 34. The
cover 54 can have a peripheral skirt 56 adapted to overlap at least
a portion of one or more of the walls 52. Fasteners 58 can be used
to mount the cover 54 to the set of spaced walls 52 along the skirt
56, as well as mounting adjacent walls 52. A first flange 60 can
extend from the peripheral skirt 56. A channel 62 can be shaped in
the cover 54 having an aperture 64 provided along the channel 62.
The aperture 64 can be adapted to align with the central aperture
42 in the PCB 32, adapted to receive the central jacking screw 44.
A second flange 66 can extend from one or more of the walls 52
opposite of the cover 54. One or more fasteners 68 can extend
through the second flange 66, adapted to mount the chassis 50 to
the PCB 32 at the apertures 40. The fasteners 68, in one
non-limiting example, can be spring loaded captive screws, or any
other suitable screws to mount the chassis to the PCB 32.
Similarly, bushings 70 can be provided on the second flange 66,
corresponding to and adapted to receive the locating pins 46 to
align the chassis 50 when coupling the power panel controller
assembly 34 to the PCB 32.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the cover 54 has been exploded from the
rest of the chassis 50, exposing a chassis interior 80 for the
power panel controller assembly 34 at least partially defined by
the walls 52 and the cover 54. A set of power panel control modules
82 are provided in the chassis interior 80, having one exemplary
power panel control module 82 exploded from the chassis 50 to
better illustrate the components included on the power panel
control module 82. While illustrated as having four power panel
control modules 82, any number of power panel control modules 82
are contemplated. As such, the chassis 50 can be sized to
accommodate the number of power panel control modules 82, and the
set of PCB connectors 36 of FIG. 3 can be complementary to the
number of power panel control modules 82.
The set of power panel control modules 82 can be selectively
receivable in the chassis interior 80. At least one pair of sprung
card guides 84 can be mounted along the walls 52 within the chassis
interior 80 configured to removably retain a power panel control
module 82. In the illustrated example, four pair of sprung card
guides 84 are included as a complementary number to the four power
panel control modules 82. The pair of sprung card guides 84 can
include two sprung card guides 84 positioned on two opposite walls
52, providing for sliding insertion or removal of the power panel
control module 82. One or more spring fingers 86 can be provided at
the sprung card guides 84 adapted to flexibly retain the inserted
power panel control module 82.
The set of power panel control modules 82 can include at least one
printed circuit board, illustrated as an exemplary primary panel
PCB 92 and an exemplary secondary panel PCB 94 mounted to the
primary panel PCB 92 via one or more fasteners 96. A pin set 98, in
one example, can communicatively couple the primary panel PCB 92 to
the secondary panel PCB 94. A high density connector 100 can couple
to the primary panel PCB 92 adapted to electrically and
communicatively couple the power panel control module 82 to the PCB
32 of FIG. 3 and configured to mate with one of the PCB connectors
36. Two brackets 102 are coupled to the power panel control module
82 at the primary panel PCB 92 and spaced from the high density
connector 100. A protrusion 104 extends from each bracket 102.
A strut 88 can be provided in the interior 80, extending between
two opposite walls 52, and can be aligned parallel to the inserted
power panel control modules 82. A strut aperture 90 can be provided
in the strut 88 adapted to receive and align the central jacking
screw 44 extending through the chassis interior 80.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the set of walls 52 can further include a
bottom wall 110. A set of PCB connector apertures 112 can be formed
in the bottom wall 110 adapted to receive the high density
connector 100 to couple to the set of PCB connectors 36 of FIG. 3.
A third flange 114 can extend from the walls 52 to the chassis
interior 80, overlying a portion of the bottom wall 110. An opening
116 can extend through the third flange 114 and the bottom wall
110. The opening 116 can be adapted to receive the brackets 102 in
mounting the power panel control modules 82 to the chassis 50.
A width 120 for the power panel control assembly 34 can be defined
between the walls 52 having the sprung card guides 84. A
longitudinal length 122 can be defined as the length of the power
panel control module 82 between ends 124 of the power panel control
module 82, defined parallel to the width 120. The width 120 can be
greater than the longitudinal length 122 for the primary panel PCB
92. A gap 126 can be defined between each end 124 of the primary
panel PCB 92 and the walls 52. As such, the width of the two
opposite walls 52 can be dimensioned to provide a clearance about
the power panel control module 82 at the gaps 126.
An X-axis 128 can be defined in a direction along the longitudinal
length 122 of the primary panel PCB 92. A Y-axis 130 can be defined
along a direction perpendicular to the X-axis 128, and parallel to
the walls 52 to which the sprung card guides 84 mount. A Z-axis 150
can be defined perpendicular to both the X-axis 128 and the Y-axis
130, extending in a vertical direction perpendicular to the bottom
wall 110. The gaps 126 can permit movement for the power panel
control module 82 along the X-axis 128 defined in a direction
parallel to the longitudinal length 122 of the primary panel PCB
92. Therefore, the gaps 126 permit the power panel control module
34 to float along the X-axis 128. While the power panel control
module 82 is illustrated as spaced from both walls 52, it should be
understood that the power panel control modules 82 can contact the
walls 52 while floating, such as during installation.
Similarly, the spring fingers 86 of the sprung card guides 84
permit movement for the power panel control module along the Y-axis
130, defined in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis 128 and
parallel to the bottom wall 110. The spring fingers 86 are
flexible, permitting the power panel control module 34 to float
along the Y-axis 130. While the assembly as described can float in
the X-axis 128 and the Y-axis, 130, it should be understood that
the power panel control modules 82 can float in at least one axis,
as well as two or three axes.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the protrusions 104 of the brackets 102
are shown extending through the bottom wall 110. Complementary nuts
146 can secure to the protrusions 104, such as with a threaded
connection, for example. The protrusions 104 can include a first
portion 140 and a second portion 142. The first portion 140 can
have a larger diameter than the second portion 142 to define a
shoulder 144 at the junction between the first portion 140 and the
second portion 142. The first portion 140 can extend through the
opening 116 in the bottom wall 110, and can be sized such that the
first portion 140 extends through the opening 116 to position the
shoulder 144 beneath the bottom wall 110. When fastening the nut
146 to the second portion 142, the nut 146 can abut the shoulder
144 to define a gap 148 between the nut 146 and the bottom wall
110. It should be understood that while one protrusion 104 is shown
without a nut 146, it is shown as such for illustrative purposes
only to better illustrate the shoulder 144 formed between the first
portion 140 and the second portion 142, and that a nut 146 can be
fastened to all protrusions 104.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a sectional view, taken along section 7-7
of FIG. 5, better illustrates the protrusion 104 of the bracket 102
extending through the third flange 114 or the bottom wall 110. The
nut 146 tightens against the shoulder 144 of the protrusion 104 and
spaces the nut 146 from the chassis 50 at the bottom wall 110. The
gap 148 permits movement of the power panel control module 82 along
a Z-axis 150, defined longitudinally through the protrusion 104,
and orthogonal to both the X-axis and Y-axis 128, 130. It should be
noted that the Y-axis 130 extends into the page as shown in FIG. 7.
During such movement, the bracket 102 can lift away from the
chassis 50, along the Z-axis 150, until the nut 146 contacts the
chassis 50 at the bottom wall 110 limiting movement of the power
panel control module 82 about the Z-axis 150, permitting floating
of the power panel control module 82 about the Z-axis 150. The
positioning can be substantially orthogonal, varying from
orthogonal during floating of the power panel control module 82
about one or more of the axes 128, 130, 150.
As such, the power panel control modules 82 are permitted to float
along three axes 128, 130, 150, while it is contemplated that the
power panel control modules 82 can float along at least one axis,
which can be any one of the X-axis 128, the Y-axis 130, or the
Z-axis 150, as well as two or three axes. Such floating, in one
non-limiting example, can be ten thousandths of an inch or about
25.40 micrometers (.mu.m). Floating movement of the power panel
control modules 82 facilitates repeatable connection and
disconnection of the power panel controller assembly 34 within a
crowded space across all power panel control modules 82 contained
within the power panel controller assembly 34. During installation,
the floating movement of the power panel control modules 82 enables
ease of connection or disconnection of the high density connector
100 to the set of PCB connectors 36, providing for slight variation
in movement to prevent rigid connection, which can damage
components.
Referring now to FIG. 8, after floating movement of the power panel
control modules 82 facilitates connection of the high density
connectors 100 to the set of PCB connectors 36 on the PCB 32, the
central jacking screw 44 can extend below the PCB 32 and can
threadably fasten to a fastener 162 such as a compliant nut or a
mating female threaded nut, to secure the power panel controller
assembly 34 at the PCB 32. Optionally, in high vibration
environments, a gasket 160 can be provided between the cover 54 and
the primary panel PCB 92, to minimize vibrational movement of the
power panel control modules 82 permitted by the ability to float
about the three axes 128, 130, 150, with the first axis 128
extending into and out of the page as illustrated. The gasket 160
can be a compliant gasket 160 mounted to the underside of the cover
54, abutting the power panel control modules 82 at coupling the
cover 54 to the walls 52. The gasket 160 can be made of a material
that dampens vibrations, such as a polymeric material in one
non-limiting example. The gasket 160 minimizes unwanted vibrational
movement of the power panel control modules 82 after installation,
while permitting floating movement during installation or removal
of the power panel controller assembly 34.
The power panel controller assembly 34 as described herein
incorporates a retention mechanism within the power panel
controller assembly 34 that utilizes packing volume and provides a
means of using several high density connectors 100 permitting
increased functionality. Additionally, permitting the use of
multiple high density connectors 100 mounting directly to
connectors 36 at the PCB 32 provides for minimizing or eliminating
the need for complex wiring looms that distributes control signals
to and from the power panel control module. Elimination of such
wiring looms minimizes overall system cost, weight, and complexity.
Furthermore, the high density connectors 100 provides for increased
functionality, necessary to accommodate the increasing demands for
such power panel controller assemblies 34.
The ability of the mounting and retention system to float in three
axes 128, 130, 150 permits the power panel control modules 82, and
thus the power panel controller assembly 34, to be easily and
readily connected and disconnected from the PCB 32 repeatedly,
minimizing the potential for damage to the pinned connections and
facilitating maintenance.
It should be appreciated that while the connection configuration as
described herein is described in relation to a power panel
controller assembly provided in an avionics chassis for an
aircraft, the floating connection configuration can be
transferrable or transportable to power panel controller assemblies
or printed circuit boards utilizing multiple high density
connectors incorporating a blind mate capability.
To the extent not already described, the different features and
structures of the various aspects can be used in combination with
others as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated in all of
the aspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is
done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the
different aspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new
aspects, whether or not the new aspects are expressly described.
Combinations or permutations of features described herein are
covered by this disclosure.
This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice aspects of the invention, including
making and using any devices or systems and performing any
incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is
defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to
those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be
within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements
that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if
they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial
differences from the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *